The “Financial Assistance to Widower and Unmarried Persons Scheme: For Widower” is an initiative implemented by the Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department of the Government of Haryana. Launched on 1st July 2023, the scheme aims to provide social security and financial assistance to widowers who are unable to sustain themselves independently. This scheme targets widowers who are in need of state support to meet their daily needs and improve their quality of life.
Benefits
- Monthly Assistance:
Eligible widowers receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,750. - Duration:
The assistance continues until the beneficiary turns 60 years old. - Disbursement:
The funds are transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through the Public Finance Management System (PFMS). Note that withdrawals are restricted to within the district of registration.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Residency:
The applicant should be a domicile of Haryana or must have been residing in the state for at least the last 15 years. - Marital Status:
The applicant must be a widower. Applicants who are divorcees or in a live-in relationship are not eligible. - Age:
The applicant must have attained the age of 40 years. - Income:
The applicant’s verified annual income should be up to ₹3,00,000. - Verification:
The applicant must possess a Family ID, as verification is based on data from the Haryana Parivar Pehchaan Authority (HPPA).
Other Terms & Conditions:
- Any benefits obtained through false information or if the conditions for eligibility no longer exist (for instance, if the beneficiary remarries) will be recovered as arrears of land revenue with 12% interest per annum.
- Financial assistance ceases upon the death of the beneficiary; however, the full month’s payment is made if death occurs any day during that month.
- Beneficiaries must not have more than one bank account linked to the PFMS; if detected, all accounts will be terminated and the applicant will be ineligible for future benefits.
Application Process
Online via the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal
Registration Process:
- Visit the Portal:
Go to the Official Antyodaya-SARAL Portal. - New User Registration:
If not already registered, click on “New User/Register Here” and fill in the mandatory details such as Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Password. Click ‘Submit’ to complete registration. - Receive Login ID:
A login ID will be sent to your mobile number.
Applying for Scheme Benefits:
- Login:
Sign in using your registered credentials. - Select Scheme:
Click on “Scheme/Services List” and select the “Financial Assistance to Widower and Unmarried Persons Scheme: For Widower.” - Fill Application Form:
Enter all required details in the online form and upload necessary documents. - Submit Application:
Click on “Submit Application” to complete your submission.
Change of Address:
Beneficiaries must notify the District Social Welfare Officer of any address change. If a beneficiary relocates outside Haryana for more than three months, they typically become ineligible for benefits unless an exception is granted due to genuine hardship (up to one year).
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Domicile Proof/Proof of Haryana residency for at least 15 years
- Income Proof:
Verified annual income document. - Family ID:
Must be obtained through the Haryana Parivar Pehchaan Act, 2021. - Valid Proof of Age
- Death Certificate of Spouse
- Bank Account Details
- Any other documents as specified in the official guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible under the widower category?
Only widowers who meet the specified age, income, and residency criteria are eligible. - What is the financial assistance amount for widowers?
Eligible widowers receive ₹2,750 per month. - How long will the assistance be provided?
Assistance continues until the beneficiary turns 60 years old. - Can a widower apply if he is already receiving another pension?
No, the beneficiary must not be drawing any other pension or financial assistance from any government or autonomous body. - What documents are required for widowers?
Documents include identity proof, domicile proof, income proof, Family ID, proof of age, husband’s death certificate, and bank account details. - How is the assistance amount disbursed?
The amount is disbursed via the PFMS directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. - What happens if a widower provides false information?
Any false claim or misrepresentation will lead to recovery of benefits as arrears of land revenue at 12% interest per annum. - What happens if the bank account linked to the scheme becomes inactive?
The bank will not permit withdrawal of benefits from outside the district, and the account must remain active. - Can a widower apply if he is living in a live-in relationship?
No, applicants in a live-in relationship are not eligible. - What should a widower do in case of a change in address?
It is mandatory to inform the District Social Welfare Officer about any address change. - What if a widower leaves Haryana for more than three months?
Generally, the beneficiary will not receive benefits during such a period unless an exception is granted in cases of genuine hardship.